Written by Dear Pineapples
Do you ever feel like time just flies? One blink and hey — we’ve barely finished the last issue of The Pineapple, and already we’re thinking about the next one. And even if Brida is slowly slipping into holiday mode, things are still happening. Some more dramatic than others. So, let’s cut to the chase.
From the Mayor’s Office
Summers were always a difficult time for the Mayor. The more leisurely pace of life meant his brain would generate plenty of ideas, his timing however meant that half the ideas would not come to fruition because this thing called life kept him behind.
This summer would be different because Fruitloop was now on board. But two brains at work….oh dear.
But all in good faith, the Mayor has been set free, finally. After excruciating negotiations and time-consuming meetings, Fruitloop has finally won the deal. And with the Mayor’s return, more planning and document signing has started.
Brida was in a state of flux. Fruitloop had spent all the taxes in securing his release, Robbie Williams is not a cheap date. But Alex the dealmaker was happy, Fruitloop took Monday off to recuperate from her negotiations. A short, terse note on the Potato Field simply said, “Not working Monday.”
As he went through the receipts, he decided that it might be worth checking out the source of the meat Fruitloop had organised. As he scanned through the website, he came across a rather interesting snippet of information.
Now, given the Mayor’s roots, and Brida’s furthest outpost, Monica in Australia, and Fruitloop’s primary residence…..ooh, this could be fun. A bit of friendly rivalry, with Australia winning, of course. Now, how could one gently wind up a South Africa rugby fan…? Delicious. It was time to activate the Brida Sports Centre more.
Monday arrived and a meeting with his former captor, Alex, proved that the deal had gone well. He was happy with the meat, concert, and the Mayor was glad to be back in town. The video meeting was conducted in English, and the Mayor noted Alex’s marked improvement in being able to articulate himself six months after becoming a Brida Resident. Alex, too, was happy with that feedback…no, another private Robbie Williams was not on the books.
But Monday held another surprise for him, almost a welcome present. Fruitloop had left him a couple of pictures in the coffee tin, which he liked and immediately hung on the wall of the Events Office, newly created. The builders were finding it difficult to follow the Mayor’s instructions on how he wanted the events placed. It led to some horrible confusion with people getting lost in the corridors, having to pay, when they had paid. It was all a bit of a mess. Fruitloop leaned back and smiled to herself. At least she had got her part right.
Monday afternoon gave him another surprise. All the work that Fruitloop and he and been doing, setting up the events, building the Events Office, preparing the event’s brochure was finally showing shoots of fruition. Ritesh in India decided to join Ismar in Brazil and the Mayor for a soulful discussion on teachers and mentors. He had thought of “pinging” the Mayor, but decided to surprise him instead. And succeeded. It proved to be one of those conversations that the Mayor relished. Experiences, stories, emotions, facts, the whole range of humanity thrown into a 60-minute discussion and Ritesh couldn’t praise the Brida team enough and Ismar, too, had a word of praise to share.
On Tuesday afternoon, storm clouds were beginning to appear on the horizon. The Mayor and Fruitloop had a little tête-à-tête. While not serious, it was concerning. Wednesday morning, Fruitloop, while still in good spirits, positive mindset and all that, mentioned the coffee was without sugar.
The Mayor swung into action, posting on Dear Abby, the need for community support and well wishes.
So, what actually happened?
From Fruitloop’s Office.
In Fruitloop’s part of the world, things took a different turn. The casual check-up in the doctor’s office turned into a new chaos. A reminder of how important it was to take care of your health while working, running a household and a town. But needless to say, Fruitloop has got everything under control and with the help of the Mayor will get the bubbles back faster than they went floating away.
From Nuggets’ Chicken Coop
Nuggets has also changed her diet. After three visits to the therapist and realising she has to take extra care of herself too, she has been upgraded to a special diet, one which will produce eggs. From her fine crushed maize to layer pellets. She loves the diet, put on some weight and even grew some new feathers. She is happy with her new chicken coop and started falling casually into her normal routine, which is also critical to keep her mind and feelings in order. But, she is still terrified of spoons, and seeing one drives her almost insane. Fruitloop has taken this into consideration and decided to hide all the spoons for now. Hopefully, Nuggets doesn’t have an elephant’s memory and forgets about the spoon incident soon. Stirring coffee with a fork works, but it is not ideal.
While the Brida Spoon, most wanted by Interpol, seems to be in hiding, probably wearing a disguise too. Who knows, he might be hiding in your utensil drawer. Or maybe spending your savings on his next big party. Be careful…
While the Summer festival is in full blow in Brida, many residents also decided to take this time to recuperate and rest. Some on holiday, some spending some much deserved time in the swimming pool, and some travelling across countries to start new adventures. We cannot wait to hear all the stories about travelling and basking in the sun.
You know what would be nice, dear Pineapples?
To hear your voice. Join us, speak to Fruitloop and/or with the Mayor and others in our Community, in one of the many meetings we have. Share your thoughts, advice. We are not just about improving English, we are about living it, sharing experiences, advice, good news and bad news. You are more than welcome to participate. Your voice matters, no matter where you are from.
Until the next ripple in our punch bowl.
Yours Deliciously
The Brida Scribe
